Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol TN

Bristol Motor Speedway

is located in Bristol, Tennessee. Constructed in 1960, it held its first NASCAR race on July 30, 1961. Despite its short length, Bristol is among the most popular tracks on the NASCAR schedule because of its distinct features, that include extraordinarily steep banking, an all concrete surface, two pit roads and stadium-like seating.

Bristol Motor Speedway is the 4th largest sports venue in America, and the 8th largest in the world, housing up to 165,000 people. The track is so short that speeds here are far lower than is typical on most NASCAR oval tracks, but very fast compared to other short tracks due to the high banking. The track is one that tends to be either loved or hated by fans and drivers alike—purists who grew up driving or attending races at older short tracks located at fairgrounds and similar places tend to love Bristol while those raised on superspeedway racing tend to chafe at the lower speeds. Often, Bristol races are the scene of the highest number of yellow-flag caution laps in the NASCAR season; with so many cars in such a small space, contact is almost inevitable.

In addition to the speedway, there is a quarter mile dragstrip that hosts an annual NHRA event each year. Prior to its status as an NHRA national event track, the Bristol Dragway was the flagship strip of the rival IHRA organization; the strip’s owner Larry Carrier formed the IHRA at the Bristol Dragway in November 1970. The relationship ended when Bruton Smith took over its ownership. The dragstrip has long been nicknamed Thunder Valley due to its location and surrounding scenery.

General Venue Information

In order to provide the safest most enjoyable experience at Bristol Motor Speedway – all patrons who enter the gates will be allowed to bring one carry-in bag and one carry-in cooler. Neither piece may exceed 14 inches. Please note that all carry-in items will be inspected prior to entry – so please attempt to get to the gates as early as possible in order to avoid the long lines that may form as the time to the drop of the green flag nears.

Directions:

Located on Highway 11-E and State Rt. 394, five miles from Interstate 81.
Click Here for detailed directions to the track from the surrounding areas.

Parking:

Permit parking only on the speedway grounds. Bristol Motor Speedway operates two free public parking areas on State Route 394; one at Speedway Parking (corner of White Top Road and Hwy. 394), and one at Whitetop Creek Park. Shuttle buses serve both areas.
Handicap parking is available with state issued placard.

Other items that may pose a safety hazard or diminish the enjoyment of an event by other patrons

Prohibited Activities

Please note that the following activities are not permitted on Speedway or Dragway grounds:

Solicitation for Donations

Selling or Buying Tickets

Unapproved Selling of Merchandise or Services

Unapproved Distribution of any item

Unapproved Entertaining

In accordance with Tennessee state law, all grandstand, terrace, suite, and restroom areas at Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway are non-smoking. The General Assembly of the State of Tennessee passed the “Non-Smoker Protection Act” and it was signed into law in June 2007. The Act prohibits smoking in most public facilities, including “sports arenas.” Guests may still smoke in our concourse area, but grandstand, terrace and suite seating areas are non-smoking.

Children Rules

Wednesday, Children 12 and under Free.
Friday, Children 12 and under $10 in designated areas.
Saturday, No discount on children. All fans entering the gate, regardless of age, must have a ticket.